Chiefs hitman Wandile Duba reveals he’s received death threats

Kaizer Chiefs hitman Wandile Duba has opened up about the online abuse he’s endured, including death threats, and how it has affected him both on and off the field.

The 21-year-old forward has revealed that the constant negativity has taken a significant toll on him, to the point where he even had to miss Chiefs’ last game before the FIFA international break, against Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership.

But Duba’s journey has been one of both triumph and challenge. Last season, he played a crucial role in securing the Nedbank Cup title for Chiefs, their first trophy in a decade. The young forward made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists in a season that he struggled with injuries.

In the new 2025/26 season, under the guidance of coach Nasreddine Nabi, he has continued to be a focal point of the attack. In four league games, he has already registered one assist. His rise, however, has been met with a wave of online hostility. Critics, including rival fans, have targeted him with insults and accusations of being a “malicious player.”

Wandile Duba’s Emotional Toll and Search for Support

Speaking at a Nedbank Cup event on Wednesday, Wandile Duba detailed the dark side of his newfound fame. The criticism, he explained, has escalated to disturbing levels.

“It doesn’t affect me; it’s just the comments—people are threatening to kill me,” Duba said. “In the last game [against Arrows], I wasn’t in the right state of mind, so I didn’t even go to play.”

This heartbreaking admission highlights the severe impact of online harassment on a player’s mental and physical well-being. Duba shared that he often confides in his brother, who provides guidance and support, and helps him resist the urge to respond to negative comments.

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